Mariënlof Abbey (Colen Abbey)

Colen 1438, Healthscaping. That is the name of the project to give the monastery of Colen (founded in 1438 as the name indicates) a new purpose. As far as the building complex itself is concerned, a few outbuildings have been demolished, the leaks in the roofs have been repaired and other urgent jobs have been carried out (such as cleaning up of course). The landscape is of course also part of it and interventions have also been carried out there. Old and sick trees have been removed, new ones have been planted. The vegetable garden and monastery garden, an orchard, are being redesigned. And then there is the renovation and, last but not least, the interior. You can discover how everything looks and should look and who is behind it at colen1438.be What does healthscaping mean? Think of a wellness clinic, local crafts, accommodation options, wellness, a bistro and simply enjoying the beauty of the complex and surroundings in a healthy way.

Mariënlof Abbey, also known as Colen Abbey, was originally a Crosier monastery, but for the past two centuries it functioned as a Cistercian convent. Since 1990, the monastery has officially been entitled to bear the title of abbey. The name Mariënlof means "In Praise of Mary." In May 2020, it was announced that the last sisters had left the abbey. The site was purchased by a real estate developer and will be repurposed.

The valley of Colen is simply beautiful, from below you have a very nice view of the former monastery.